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Wednesday, 13 January 2016

MHTT Interview with Europe's Table Tennis King: Timo Boll

Timo Boll is known as one of the most gracious and humble sportspeople in the world and after having met him in China, I can vouch for that in it's entirety. Timo is a family man, an excellent and experienced table tennis player and a true gentleman. I hope you enjoy my interview with him! Full Name: Timo BollDate Of Birth: 8th March 1981Nation Represented: GermanyHighest World Ranking:
1

Your CareerHow long have you
played table tennis for, when and how did you start?I started at age of 4
at home with my father.What has been the
highlight of your table tennis career so far?Becoming world number 1You have won 6
European Championships Singles Titles, what is your fondest memory
from competing over the years at the Euros?It’s a good feeling
if you can handle the pressure and high expectations, especially in
the Euros.I think one of the
most interesting things that you mentioned when we were in Chengdu
was the strange feeling of having competed with 5 generations of
Chinese players (from Ma Wenge through to Fan Zhendong). Which player
stands out to you as being the most challenging across the eras and
for what reason?Maybe Ma Lin, he was
very clever and he had a lot of tricky shots.What kind of
progression do you see with the Chinese? Do you think their dominance
is becoming more apparent over the years? Do you see any sign of hope
from other nations to be able to consistently have a chance to beat
China in the teams? (including your own team). As a team its very
difficult. As an individual on a perfect day, it should be possible
to beat them all.One of your most
outstanding performances was winning the 2005 World Cup where you
defeated some incredibly tough opponents from China. What was it on
that day that really made you perform at such a high level? Or what
preparations prior to the competition made a big difference?Before the
competition I was in a bad shape. I was even thinking about it to
cancel the tournament to have a rest. Even in the group stage, I
wasn't that strong, but suddenly my run started in the quarterfinal
against Wang Liqin! That gave me a lot of self confidence!

How do you feel about
your ability to compete with the Chinese players now compared to
before? Overall how do you feel about your form going into Rio next
year? Of course I’m
physically weaker than 10 years ago, but my technique improved. It
will be hard to beat them all again for me, but if I’m standing in
the box, I want to win, doesn't matter which opponent. In terms of your
career do you have any concrete plans for after the Rio Olympics?No plans, I will continue to play.

Timo and teammate Dimitrij Ovtcharov

More recently you have
been playing in the China Super League during the break for the
German League and ECL. How has that been overall in terms of your
playing level, tiredness and family life?-For the family, it
was tough, especially, when I went alone. -Playing skills
improved. I got used to play against the Chinese rubbers- For the health its
not easy, because I didn't get a long break to rest during the summer

One thing we know is
that you do not eat the meat when you were in China which I noticed
again when we were at the China Open. How difficult is it for you to
last that period on such a strict diet? Do you feel it has an effect
on your energy levels and ability to perform?No, its no problem,
I try sometimes to live vegan and it has just positive effects. But
I’m a meat lover, so it’s hard to stay strict all year long,
especially in the summer in Germany, when I do my barbecue.Do you think the
Chinese Super League has given players yourself and your teammate
Dima (Ovtcharov), along with Chuang and Joo Se Hyuk, a greater
advantage to perform in competition on the world stage in recent
years? What are the main differences in being immersed in training
and league in Germany and the same in China?Unfortunately it is
a short effect for players on that level, when you come back to
Germany, in the beginning the balls of Europeans feel slower and
weaker. But after a while, this effect is "puffering"Do you feel like being
left handed has provided its advantages to you over the years? What
advice can you give to left handers to help them create an advantage
over their opponents?No, not a big
advantage. If you want to be a good player, your style has to be
complete. Your friend and
teammate Dima Ovtcharov has reached a peak of 4th in the world
rankings so far. What potential do you see/what hope do you have for
him to succeed in the future?Its a great
achievement already. I think it will be difficult for him to go much
higher in the ranking, especially because of his age. He shouldn't
play to many tournaments now in his age, better concentrate on the
big events and try to get the chance to win a big one!

Timo's Top 10 Backhands

One intruiging thing
about you is your ability to pull off some insane hand switch shots.
How did that all start, what's the story behind the hand switches?I got too slow! HaOff the Topic
QuestionsWho’s your favourite
sportsperson of all time?Hard to say. Jordan,
Federer, Nowitzki as a GermanFavourite Food?Chinese Beijing duckDream CarTeslaIdeal holiday
destination?Definitely Maldives First thing you would
do if you won $1million?Save it for my
daughterIf you could start
table tennis again what style would you prefer? Defense/Penhold/Which
Hand/Counter/Blocker/Attacker etc.I would love to play
defense with short pimples on the backhandAnd LastlyWould you like to add
one last tip, or an inspirational message for other table tennis
players looking to succeed?Try to have fun in
practice, don't take it to serious, but try to be as perfect as you
can. To find the right way in between is the key!

Thank you Timo!

Want to read more great interviews with other former World Champions, Cup Winners and Number 1's? Click for MORE INTERVIEWS.